The Ministry of Justice in Saskatchewan has decided to withdraw its contract with Community Legal Assistance Services for Saskatoon Inner City Inc. (CLASSIC), which has raised concerns about the accessibility of legal services for residents. CLASSIC received $100,000 annually to cover client-side services and student training, making it the province’s only community legal clinic. The withdrawal of funding puts CLASSIC in a tough position, especially at a time when there is an access-to-justice crisis in the province. Other provinces have multiple community legal clinics available to residents, emphasizing the potential negative impact of defunding CLASSIC.
Chantelle Johnson, the executive director of CLASSIC, expressed her concerns about the withdrawal of funding, stating that they are the only free legal provider in the province for areas such as housing law, income assistance law, human rights, immigration, and refugee law. The organization’s dual-pronged mandate, which includes providing services to clients and offering clinical legal education to students, is now in jeopardy. This situation not only affects the services CLASSIC can provide to clients but also limits student access to legal education opportunities, as they are the only clinical legal education site in Saskatchewan.
In response to the funding cut, CLASSIC is exploring various options such as applying for grants, seeking partnerships, engaging private donors, and urging the provincial government to reconsider its decision. Johnson highlighted the lack of clarity regarding the reasons for the funding reallocation but suggested that the defunding may be linked to CLASSIC’s advocacy work holding the province’s systems accountable. Despite these challenges, she emphasized the importance of maintaining checks and balances in a healthy democracy, indicating the organization’s commitment to advocating for people experiencing poverty and injustice.
The Ministry of Justice stated that the $100,000 previously allocated to CLASSIC will now be used to expand the experiential education program at the College of Law, with the goal of increasing practical work placements in the public sector. The province justified its decision by pointing out that CLASSIC’s current budget exceeds $1 million and that funding from donors such as the Law Foundation and the United Way continues to support the organization. The province also mentioned its intention to enhance opportunities for legal services across Saskatchewan, implying that the reallocation of funds is part of a broader effort to improve access to justice in the province.
The withdrawal of funding from CLASSIC has raised concerns about the impact on vulnerable residents who rely on the organization for free legal services. With CLASSIC being the only community legal clinic in the province, the loss of funding jeopardizes its ability to meet the increasing demand for accessible legal assistance. Additionally, the disruption in student training opportunities poses challenges for the future of legal education in Saskatchewan. The organization’s efforts to secure alternative funding sources and partnerships demonstrate their commitment to continuing their important work despite the funding setback.
As the situation unfolds, there is a call for transparency and dialogue between CLASSIC, the Ministry of Justice, and other stakeholders to address the implications of the funding withdrawal. Ensuring access to justice for all residents, particularly those facing poverty and injustice, remains a top priority. The potential repercussions of defunding CLASSIC underscores the importance of supporting community legal clinics and advocacy organizations that play a crucial role in advocating for marginalized individuals and holding government systems accountable. Efforts to address the funding cut and secure sustainable funding for CLASSIC are crucial to upholding the principles of justice and equity in Saskatchewan.
